Electric railway-signal.



No. 802,583. PATENTED 001224, 1905. E W. MCGUIRE,

ELECTRIC RAILWAY SIGNAL.

APPLIUATIGN FILED MAB. 6, 1905.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

v auvawlfoz PATENTED 061124, 1905.

E. W. MCGUIRE.

ELECTRIC RAILWAY SIGNAL.

APPLICATION FILED MAR.6,1905.

3 SHEETS-SHIIBT 2.

ivonntw. :1. ml! cu. movouwooknnins, wunxcron. a c.

No. 802,588. PATENTED 001224, 1905. E. W. MGGUIRE.

ELECTRIC RAILWAY SIGNAL.

APPLIGATION FILED MAR. 6, 1905.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

lilliTlElfl ELWOOD l/V. MCGUIRE, OF RHJIIMOND, INDIANA.

ELECTFlllO HALWAY'SIGNALII Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 24, 1905.

Application filcd March 6, 1905. Serial No. 248,623.

To 00M whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, ELWooD WV. MoGUIRu, a citizen of the United States,residing at Richmond, in the county of Wayne and State of Indiana, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in ElectricRailway-Signals, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to a signal system preferably adapted for asingle-track road in which at appropriate intervals there are sidings(or dou ble-tracl: sections) to permit of cars passing in oppositedirections of travel. The principles of the system may, however, bereadily adapted to a double-track railway.

The object of the invention in its preferred form is to provide a signalsystem actuated by the moving car, whereby a car traveling in a givendirection say westas it passes a given or eastern double-track sectionwill throw a current upon the signal-rail of an adjacent or westerndouble-track section, so that at said western double-track section aneastbound car will take up the current from the signal-rail at thatpoint, actuating a signal device in the car and warning the east-boundcar to remain on the siding until the westbound car passes. Thisoperation is the same in both directions of travel. The eflectiveness ofthis system is assured by the following arrangement: Vhen the west-boundcar leaves the east double-track section, throwing the current onto thesignal-rail of the west double-track section, it actuates a lock whichholds the current on the signal-rail at said west double-track sectionafter the west-bound car has left the east double-track section andremaining on until the west-bound car enters the west double-tracksection. When the west-bound car has entered upon the said westdouble-track section, the moving car will close other electricconnections, actuating a release, which will cut out the current fromthe signal-rail of said west double-track section.

The terms east and west are arbitrary, beingselected for convenience indistinguishing oppositely'bound cars and opposing double-track sections.

It is obvious that this system conducts an electric impulse into themoving car, which may be variously availed of for signal purposes, suchas a light, a bell, or an automatic cutting out of the power on the car.

Preferably I usean auxiliary instrument on the car and a red light, theelectric impulse conducted into the car actuating the auxiliaryinstrument and holding energized the red light after the car has passedoff of the signal-rail of the double-track section at which the signalis received. The red light can be cut out by hand-lever when theengineer or motorman has obeyedthe signal.

The features of my invention are more fully set forth in the descriptionof the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, inwhich- Figure 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of my electric signalsystem, illustrating two block-sections. Fig. 2 is a similar view tothat of Fig. 1, illustrating but one block-section and the signalmechanism in different position. Fig. 3 is a diagrammatic plan view ofmy signal system as shown in Fig. 1, to gether with the supplementalsignal system. Fig. 4 is a sectional elevation illustrating theconnection and mechanism for controlling the signal in the car. Fig. 5is a sectional elevation showing a method of application of trolleys orbrushes for making electric connections through the car and also forclosing the circuits for operating the signal system.

For convenience it may be assumed that the track runs west and east, andwith this understanding 1 represents the north rail of the track; 2, thesouth rail. It may also be assumed that the west-going car has the rightof way-that is, the east-going car will take the sidings-this selectionbeing indicated by the arrows in Fig. l.

3 represents the westwardly-traveled portion of the east double-tracksection.

t represents the westwardly-traveled portion of the west double-tracksection.

5 represents the eastwardly-traveled portion of the east double-tracksection.

6 represents the eastwardly-traveled portion of the west double-tracksection.

The first proposition is that the car before it leaves theWestwardly-traveled portion of the east double-track section 3 will senda signal to the eastwardly-traveled portion of the west double-tracksection 6, which will notify the eastwardly-traveling car at that pointthat the west-going car has left the section 3 and entered the mainsingle-track section 7. For this purpose I provide a terminal or rail 8in the section 3 and a terminal 9, grounded at 10. From the rail 8 awire 11 runs westward and. connects with a magnetcoil12. The other endof the magnet-coil communicates by wires 13 14 to battery 15, the otherpole of the battery being grounded becomedeenergized by the passing ofthe at 16. 17 represents the armature of the magnet coil, which armatureis normally open, the magnet 12 being normally deenergized. The armature17 controls a switch which when closed throws a current onto thesignal-rails in the section 6, as follows: 18 represents a terminal insection 6. 19 represents a second or ground terminal. From terminal 18awire 20 extends to a stationary contact 21. 22 represents a movablecontact on the armature-switch 17. Contact 22 is connected by wire 14with the battery 15. Under normal conditions magnet 12 being deenergizedthe signal circuit is broken at two points at the switch-contacts 21 and22 and at the open terminals 18 19. hen, as illustrated in Fig. 1, a carequipped with contacts 23 closes the terminals 8 9, the circuit throughthe magnet-coil12 is completed, and the magnet attracts the armature 17,which brings contacts 21 22 into contact, so that when the east-goingcar arrives upon the terminals 18 19 of section 6 both breaks in thesignal-circuit will be closed, and the electric impulse through saidcircuit will energize said circuit.

In Fig. 1 a car is shown on terminals 18 19, the car having contacts 24,closing said open terminals. For the present purpose it is sufficient tosay that the electric current passing through the contact 24 is utilizedto actuate a suitable signal device, such as a red light, say, locatedin the car. It is obvious that if the west-going car leaves section 3,entering the main tracks 7 before the east-going car has encountered theterminals 18 19 of the section 6, some means must be provided wherebythe signal actuated by the car closing terminals 8 9 will remain inoperation to signal the east-going car on section 6 at any time prior tothe time when the westgoing car leaves the section 7 and enters thesection 4. The second proposition is, therefore, to hold the contacts 2122 closed until the west-going ear leaves single-track section 7 andenters the double-track section 4. This arrangement is illustrated inFig. 1. 25 represents an ar mature-lever normally open, having a notchedend 26, which automatically engages with and holds the end of thearmature-lever 17 when magnet 12 is energized, thereby holding contacts21 22 closed after the magnet 12 has car-contact 23 from the terminals 89, thereby opening said terminals and breaking the circuit from 8 to 12.It is clear from this description that although the westgoing car may beon the single-track section 7 the eastgoing car in section 6 willreceive its signal whenever its contact 24 encounters the terminals 1819.

The third proposition is obvious that the west-going car as it leavesthe single-track section 7 and enters the double-track section 4 mustactuate some release of the locked 1 switch-armature 17, which willbreak the signal-operating circuit, (represented by the terminals 18 19,wire 20, contacts 21 22, wire 14, and battery 15.) This thirdproposition is diagrammed in Fig. 2. 27 represents a second magnet, oneend of the coil of which is connected by wire 28 to wire 14 and thenceto the battery 15. The other end of the magnet-coil 27 has a Wire 29communicating with a terminal 31 in the east end of the section 4.represents the companion or grounded terminal. In Fig. 2 the contact 23of the westwardly-traveling car has passed out of the main single-tracksection 7 and engages the contacts 30 31, closing the circuit throughthe magnet-coil 27 and energizing said circuit. The armature 25 isthereby attracted to the magnet 27. The arm 26 is thrown backward,releasing the end of the armature switch-lever 17, which drops back tonormal open position, and opening the switch by disengaging contacts 2122, which takes the current 01f of terminal 18. This operation obviouslyrenders it impossible for a car to receive a signal should it bestanding with its contacts engaging the terminals 18 19 of the section6. A'similar system extends in the opposite direction. The section 6 hasa terminal 32 forming a companion with the grounded terminal 19.Terminal 32 has an eastwardly-extended wire 33 communicating with oneend of the coil of the electromagnet 34. The other end of themagnet-coil is connected by wires 35 36 to the battery 37. The otherpole of the battery is grounded at 38. 39 represents the armature-lever,controlled by the electromagnet 34. 40 represents a switch-operatingterminal in section 3, forming a companion to the grounded terminal 9.Terminal 40 is connected by wire 41 to stationary contact 42. 43represents a switcheontact on armature-lever 39, connecting by means ofwire 36 with the battery 37. This east double-track section is providedwith the second electromagnet 44,having the armaturelever 45, with thenotched arm 46 for engaging and locking the switch armature-lever 39.One end of the coil of magnet 44 communicates by wire 47 with the wire36 and thence to the battery 37 The other end of the magnet-coilcommunicates by wire 48 to terminal 49 in the section 5, there being acompanion terminal 50 grounded at 51, whereby when the contact of theeast-going car closes terminals 49 50 the armature-switch 39 will beclosed. It should be understood that the notched arms 46 and 26 have,preferably, two notches; that when the switch is locked closed, as shownby the contacts 21 22, Fig. 1, the armature 17 engages the first notch,whereas in the normal position, in which the switch is open, asindicated by the contacts 42 43, Fig. 1, the end of the armature 39engages the second notch of arm 46.

In Fig. 2 the arm 26 is shown in the act of releasing armature 17; butas soon as the contact 23 is passed otl of the terminals 30 31 thearmature 25 will fly back and engage the end of the armature with thesecond notch, holding the switch open in normal position.

Of course the normal position of the armatures can be controlled byweighted levers, springs, or other well-knownexpedients.

The fourth proposition is illustrated in Fig. 3 and is designed to coveran exceptional condition, as follows: Say that before the westgoingtrain has left the single-track section 7 a second west-going train hasleft the section 3 and entered the section 7. When the first west-goingtrain left section 7 it would release the signal from section 6 andthere might be danger of the east-going car, which has been held up atthat point, going east on single-track section 7 and encountering thesecond west-going car on said single-track section. To prevent this, Imay provide a duplicate signal system, giving the car an extra set ofcontacts for the terminals of said extra signals, these extra contactsbeing only put in commission on the cars when these cars are used asextras, specials, or as express. By this expedient not only will theabove contingencies be provided for, but the character of thesignaling-car could be indicated by a different character of signalsthat is, when the second signal system was operated it would indicatethe approach of an extra or express. To this end I employ the followingdevices: 52 represents a terminal in section 3, placed in juxtapositionto the companion ground-terminal 9. Terminal 52 has awestwardly-extended wire 53 communicating with one end of the coil of aneleetromagnet 54. The other end of said coil connects by wire 55 withthe battery 56, which is grounded at 57. 58 represents thearmature-switch lever closed by electromagnet 54 and normally opened,electromagnet 54 being normally deenergized. On the switch-armature 58is the contact 59, normally out of contact with its cooperating contact60. Contact 60 has a wire 61 communicating with one pole of a signaldevice 62, the other pole being grounded at 63. The other contact 59 isconnected by wire 64 to source of electric supply 65. Obviously awest-going car in section 3, equipped with contacts 60 59. will operatethe signal device 62. It is desirable that this signal 62 shall bemaintained until this west-going special or extra has left the mainsingle-track section 7 and entered the west double-track section 4. Toeffect this, I provide another electromagnet 66, one end of the coil ofwhich is connected by wire 67 to wire 55 and battery56. The other end ofthe coil of said electromagnet 66 is connected by wire 68 to a terminal69 in section 4, placed in conjunction with ground-terminal 30. 70represents the armature-lever for electromagnet 66 normally open andhaving the notched end 71 for engaging and locking the armaturelever 58.By this means a special car going west will energize its special signal62 in the West double-track section, which it is approaching. Saidsignal will remain in operation until the special leaves thesingle-track section 7 and enters the west double-track section and willautomatically operate the release and throw signal 62 out of operation.The same system and devices extend in the opposite direction, and adescription thereof would only be a repetition of what has gone beforeit, and so I give them a duplicate set of numerals relatively, by whichthe operation will be understood. In this instance terminal 52 oftrack-section 6 will be opposite terminal 19 of the track-section 6 andthe terminal 69 of track-section 5 will be opposite terminal 50 oftrack-section 5.

Having now described the system as it relates to the installationthroughout the vari' ous track-sections, I will now describe the methodfor conducting an electric impulse into a moving car, likewise the meansemployed upon the car for closing the partial circuits when the car isin a position for giving a signal and for closing said partial circuitswhen a car is in a position for receiving a signal or breaking a givensignal when a given track-section is clear.

72 represents the base of a car provided with the usual wheel-trucks.

7 3 represents two truck-wheels of the car.

As shown, the system in v Fig. 4 is constructed for a single-trolleysystem in which one pole of the motive circuit is grounded, the oppositepole of the circuit being passed through a trolley-wire 65. Of coursethe system can be carried on in a double-trolley system, in whichinstance the partial circuits are taken from the two wires instead ofthrough the grounded rails.

74 75 represent trolleys secured to the carbase 72 and of suitableconstruction for enabling the same to pass over the terminal railsthroughout the system and making contact therewith for bringing anelectric impulse into the signal-operating mechanism in the ear or forcompleting a partial circuit in a given track-section for operatingswitch mechanism of an adjacent or given track-sec tion.

It will be seen that the trolleys 74 75 are connected by wires 76 77.Thus, say, that when the trolleys 74 75 contact with the terminal rails8 and 9 they will complete the magnet-operating circuits of magnet 12,closing the contacts 21 22, (see Figs. 1 and 4,) completing the partialsignal-circuit to terminal rail 18.

In receiving a signal in the car the circuit is transmitted to thesignal mechanism as follows: 78 represents a trolley secured to the baseof the car similar in construction to trolleys 74 75, adapted to contactwith the signalreceiving terminal rails 18 and 40. The wire signal-lightis controlled.

76 being in branch connection with the wire '77 of the trolley 75,contacting with the grounded terminal rail, is in connection with amagnet '79, and 80 represents a wire in connection with the trolley 78and the magnet '79. 81 represents an armature-lever controlling anelectric-switch member 82. 83 represents a spring for throwing thearmaturelever 81 away from the magnet when the magnetis deenergized andwhen the armaturelever is released from the spring-lock 8a, forming aswitch member through which the It will be seen that the switch member84 is provided with a contact-plate 85, suitably insulated from theswitch member 84, and when the switch member 8 l is raised a sufficientdistance to disengage itself from engagement with the switch member 82on the armature-lever 81 the said armature-lever will be thrown back,whereby the signal-light circuit is broken. This action is manual thatis, the breaking action-- the closing action of the signal-light beingautomatic and accomplished when the magnet 79 is energized. Thelight-circuit is as follows: from wire 65, through trolley-pole a, wire86 to the signal-lamp 87, forming one partial circuit, the other beingthrough the trucks of the car and wheels on the main-track rails,'whichare grounded, from whence it is passed through the brush 88, wire 89 tothe switch member 82 and when the switch is closed through plate 85,wire 90, and the lamp 87, of course it being understood that this lampmay be in series with other lamps or rheostat or transformer, reducingthe voltage.

By the construction of car-signal it will be seen that but a slightelectric impulse is required to operate the signal in the car and thatsuch signal is maintained independent of the automatic signal operatingmechanism and remains intact, displaying the signal in the car untilmanually released by those in charge.

From the previous description it will be understood that my systemcomprises a first partial circuit forming a switch-operating circuithaving a first set of open terminals in a given track-section, a secondpartial circuit forming a signal-operating circuit having a second setof open terminals in a given tracksection and also having normally opencontacts forming a switch controlled by the closing of the first set ofterminals, an automatic lock for holding closed the switch-contacts ofthe second partial circuit after the first set of terminals have beenreopened by the passing of the car, a third partial circuit forming aswitch-releasing circuit having a third set of open terminals in a giventrack-section, the closing of which by the passing of the car releasesthe loclred closed switch of the second circuit, restoring the circuitsto normal open position.

In operation the momentary closing of the first terminals by the passingcar transmits an electric impulse through the first circuit sufficientto operate the switch of the second circuit. The switch in closingengages a lock which holds it closed until the car which has closed thefirst terminals passes the third terminals. \Vhile the switch of thesecond circuit is held closed, the second set of terminals are incondition to complete the circuit through a passing car, and themomentary closing of the second terminals by the passing car transmitsan electric impulse through the second circuit sufficient to actuate thesignal. Also the momentary closing of the third set of terminals by thepassing car transmits an electric impulse through the third circuitsulficient to release the locked switch of the second circuit, restoringnormal condition.

It will be seen that with this system it is not necessary to maintainclosed any of the three circuits named, but that each in turn need onlybe closed for a momentary period represented by the passing of the carto transmit the brief electrical impulse necessary to the performance ofits particular function, and thus the system operates with acomparatively minute expenditure of electrical energy.

Having described my invention, 1 claim- 1. In an electric signal systemfor a singletracl; railway, an east and a west double-track section forthe passage of trains in opposite directions, an electric partialcircuit, having a terminal in the westwardly-traveled portion of theeast double-track section, a signal partial circuit having a terminal inthe eastwardlytraveled portion of the west double-track section, aswitch in said signal partial circuit, adapted to be closed by theclosing of the terminal in the westwardly-traveled portion of the eastdouble-track section, means for automatically locking the switch when itis moved to closed position, a releasing partial circuit, having aterminal in the westwardly-traveled portion of the west double-tracksection, adapted when closed to release said lock and open said switch,a similar set of terminals, circuits, switch and lock extended in theopposite direction, a car having contacts adapted to independdentlyclose said terminals respectively, a signal device in the car adapted tobe actuated by the electric impulse transmitted through thesignal-terminal, and source of electric supply for said circuits,substantially as described.

2. A signal system for a single-track railway, having double-tracksections at intervals, a magnet, an armature and switch-closing partialcircuit, having open terminals in a given double-track section, a signalpartial circuit, having a switch formed through said armature, andhaving open terminals in a second double-track section, a second magnet,armature and switch-releasing partial circuit, having open terminals insaid second double-track 1 section, the first armature when closed,being adapted to automatically interlock with the second armature inopen position, and to be released. when said second magnet is encrgized,a car having contacts adapted to close said terminals respectively, asignal device on the car, adapted to be actuated by the electricimpulse'transmitted through one set of terminals, and source of electricsupply for said circuits, substantially as described.

3. In an electric signal system for singletrack railway, an east and awest double-track section, for the passing of trains in oppositedirections, an electric partial circuit, having a terminal in thewestwardly-traveled portion of the east double-track section, asignal-terminal in the eastwardly-traveled portion of the west doubletrack section, controlled thereby, a second electric partial circuit,having a terminal in the eastwardly-traveled portion of the westdouble-track section, and a signal-terminal in the westwardly-traveledportion of the east double-track section, controlled thereloy, a carhaving contacts adapted to independently close said circuits throughtheir respective terminals, a signal device in the car adapted to beactuated by the electric impulse, transmitted through thesignal-terminal, and source of electricity for said circuits,substantially as described.

4. A signal system forsingle-track railway, having double-track sectionsat intervals, a switclrclosing partial circuit, having-open terminals ina given double-track section, a danger-signal partial circuit, havingopen terminals in a second double-track section, a switch in thedanger-signal circuit, closed by the closing of the terminals of theswitch-closing circuit, means for automatically locking said switch inclosed position, when the car is traveling from the given to the seconddouble-track section, a switch-releasing partial circuit, forautomatically opening said switch, when the car has reached the saidsecond double-track section, a car having contacts adapted to close saidterminals, a signal device actuated by the electric impulse, transmittedthrough one pair of terminals, and source of electric supply for saidcircuits, substantially as described.

5. A signal system for a single-track railway, having dou ble-tracksections at intervals, a magnet, armature and switch-closing partialcircuit, having open terminals in a given double-track section, a signalpartial circuit, having a switch formed through said armature, andhaving open terminals in a second doubletrack section, means forautomatically locking the armature-switch in the position to which it ismoved, when its magnet is energized, a second magnet, armatureandswitchreleasing circuit, havingopen terminals in said second.double-track section, the said second armature when its magnet isenergized, being adapted to automatically unlock the lirst armature, acar having contacts adapted to close said sets of open terminals, asignal device in the car adapted to be actuated by the electric impulsetransmitted through one of said pairs of terminals, and source ofelectric supply for said circuits, substantially as described.

(3. A signal system for a single-track railway, having double-tracksections atintervals, a magnet, armature and its energizing switclopening circuit, having an open terminal in a given double-tracksection, a signal circuit, having an open terminal in a seconddoubletrack section, and a switch controlled by said armature, a carhaving contacts adapted to close both sets of open terminals, a signaldevice in the car actuated by the electric impulse, transmitted throughone set of terminals when closed, and source of electric supply for saidcircuits,substantially as described.

7. A signal system for a single-track railway, having double-tracksections at intervals, an east and a west double-track section with anintervening single-track section, a switchoperating partial circuit,having a terminal in the westwardly-traveled portion of the eastdouble-track section, a signal partial circuit, having a terminal in theeastwardlytraveled portion of the west double-track section, a switch inthe signal partial circuit, closed by the closing of the partialcircuit, through the terminal in the said westwardly-traveled portion ofthe east double-tracl section, means for automatically retaining saidswitch in closed position, after the west-bound car has reopened thesaid terminal, in the Westwardlytraveled portion of the east doubletrack, whereby the signal-terminal in the eastwardlytraveled portion ofthe west double-track section, remains in condition to impart anelectric impulse to an east-bound car, on said eastwardly-traveledportion of the west double-track section, after the said west-bound carhas entered the single-track section, and means for releasing the saidswitch when the west-bound car has reached said west doubletracksection, source of electricity for said circuits, and a car havingcontacts for said terminals, and a signal operated by the electricimpulse received from the signal-terminal, substantially as described.

8. In combination with an electric signal system, havingsignal-terminals disposed along the track of a railway, a car having acontact, adapted to pick up an electric impulse from saidsignal-terminal, a signal on the'car, a partial circuit for energizingsaid signal, a switch for closing said partial circuit through thesignal, magnetic means for closing said switch, having a magnet-circuitenergized through the closing of the terminal signal in the track, andmeans for automatically retaining the said switch in the car in closedposition, after its controlling-magnet has become deenergized, wherebythe signal remains in operation, after the brief electric impulse hasbeen transmitted through the said signal-terminal, substantially asdescribed.

9. I11 an electric signal for railways, a switch-opera ting circuit,having an open terminal in the track, a magnet, an armature, normallydeenergized, and energized by the closing of said terminal, a signaldevice, an energizing-circuit therefor, a switch in said circuitnormally held open by said armature, means for automatically engagingsaid armature when its controlling-magnet is energized, holding saidswitch closed, a second magnet and its armature normally denergized andadapted, when energized to release the first-named armature, a partialcircuit for said second magnet, having an open terminal in the track,located at a predetermined distance from the first-named termi nal, anda truck having contacts for closing said terminals, whereby the signalis operated when the car passes the first terminal, and released whenthe car passes the second terminal, substantially as described.

10. In combination with an electric rail way-signal, havingsignal-terminals disposed along the track of a railway, a car having acontact adapted to pick up an electric impulse from saidsignal-terminal, a signal on the car, a partial circuit for energizingsaid signal, a switch for closing said partial circuit through thesignal, magnetic means for closing said switch, having a magnet-circuitenergized through the closing of the signal in the track by thecar-contact, and means for automatically retaining said switch in thecar in closed position, after its controlling-magnet has becomedeenergized, whereby the signal remains after the brief electric impulsehas been transmitted through said signalterminal, and means for manuallyreleasing said switch breaking the signal,substantially as described.

11. In an electric signal for railways, a series of partial circuits, aseries of terminals, adapted to be closed by a moving car for impartingan impulse of electric energy, comprising terminals in connection withsignalswitch-o crating instruments, actuated by an impu se of electricenergy, signalswitch instruments, at a predetermined distance in advanceof the terminals, signal-in1pulse-re ceiving terminals, in connectionwith the switch of the signal-switch instrument, andsignal-switch-breaking terminals, at the predetermined advancedposition, whereby the signal-switch may be broken by an impulse ofelectric energy, and a source of electric supply for the variouscircuits, substantially as described.

12. In an electric signal for railways, a series of partial circuits, aseries of terminals, adapted to be closed by a moving car, for impartingan impulse of electric energy, comprising terminals in connection withsignalswitch-operating instruments actuated by an impulse of electricenergy, signal-switch instruments at a predetermined distance in advanceof the terminals, signal-'impulsea'eceiving terminals in connection withswitch of the signal-switch instrument, and signalswitch-breakingterminals at the predetermined advanced position, whereby thesignalswitch maybe broken by an impulse of an electric energy, andsource of an electric supply for the various circuits, a car having acontact, adapted to pick up an electric impulse from saidsignal-terminal, a signal on the car, a partial circuit for energizingsaid signal, a switch for closing said partial circuit through thesignal, magnetic means for closing said switch, having a magnet-circuit,energized through the closing of the terminal signal in the track, andmeans for automatically retaining the said switch in the car in closedposition, after its controlling-magnet has become denergized, wherebythe signal remains in operation after the brief electric impulse hasbeen transmitted through the said signal-terminal, substantially asdescribed.

13. In an electric signal for railways, a series of partial circuits, aseries of terminals, adapted to be closed by a moving car, for impartingan impulse of electric energy, comprising terminals in connection withsignalswitchoperating instruments, actuated by an impulse of electricenergy, said signal switch instruments, being at a predetermineddistance in advance of the terminals, signal-impulsereceiving terminalsin connection with switch of the signal-switch instrument, andsignal-switcl1-b1eaking terminals at the predetermined advancedposition, whereby the signal-switch may be broken by an impulse of anelectric energy, and source of an electric of the various circuits, acar having contacts, adapted to close the signalswitch-operatingterminals and signal-switchbreaking terminals, a signal device in thecar actuated by the electric impulse, transmitted through contacts, whenthe signal-receiw ing terminals are closed, and a source of electricsupply for said signal, substantially as described.

14. In an electric signal for railways, a series of partial circuits, aseries of terminals to be closed by a moving car, for imparting animpulse of electric energy, comprising terminals in connection withsignal-switch-operating instruments, actuated by an impulse of electricenergy, a signal-switch instrument at a predetermined distance inadvance of the terminals, signal-impulse-receiving terminals inconnection with switch of the signalswitch instrument, andsignal-breaking terminals at the predetermined, advanced position,whereby the signal-switch may be broken by an impulse of an electricenergy, and source of an electric of the various cir cuits, a car havingcontacts, adapted to close the signal-switcl1ope1ating terminals andsignalswitchbreaking terminals, a signal device in the car actuated bythe electric impulse transmitted through contacts when thesignal-receiving terminals are closed, a

source of electric supply for said signal, a supplemental series ofpartial circuits, a supplemental series of terminals adapted to beclosed by a moving car, for imparting an impulse of electric energy,comprising terminals in connection with a signal-switch-operatinginstrument, actuated by an impulse of electric energy, a supplementalsignal-switch instrument, at a predetermined distance in advance of saidlast-named terminal, a signal in partial circuit with the switch of saidswitch instrument, whereby when the switch is closed, the circuit iscompleted to the signal, a source of electric supply for said signal,and a supplemental signal-switch-breaking terminals, at thepredetermined advanced position, whereby the signal-switch may be brokenby an impulse of electric energy when said switch breaking terminals areclosed, substantially as described.

15. In an electric signal for railways, a se .ries of partial circuits,a series of terminals adapted to be closed by a moving car for imparting an impulse oi electric energy, comprising terminals inconnection with a signalswitch-operating instrument, actuated by animpulse of electric energy, a signal-switch instrument located at apredetermined distance in advance of said lastnamed terminals, a signalin partial circuit with the switch of said switch instrument, wherebywhen the switch is closed the circuit is completed to the signal, asource of electric supply for said signal, switch-breaking mechanismoperated by an impulse of electric energy, signalswitch-breakingterminals at the predetermined advanced position, in partial circuitwith said switch-breaking mechanism, whereby the signal-switch may bebroken by an impulse of electric energy, when said switchbreakingterminals are closed, and a source of electric supply for said. variouspartial circuits, substantially as described.

16. A signal system for a railway-track, comprising a first partialcircuit, forming a switch-operating circuit, having a first set of openterminals in a given track-section, a second partial circuit forming asignal-operating circuit, having a second set of open terminals in agiven track-section, and also having normally open contacts forming aswitch controlled by the closing of the first set ofterminals, anautomatic lock for holding closed the switch-contacts of the secondpartial circuit, after the first set of terminals have been reopened bythe passing of the car, a third partial circuit forming aswitch-releasing circuit, having a third set of open terminals in agiven track-section, the closing of which by the passing of the car,releases the locked switch 01 the second circuit, restoring saidcircuits to normal open position, source of electricity for saidcircuits, a signal device,

and contacts on the car for closing the said open terminals,substai'itially as descril'ied. I

1.7 In a signal system for a railway-tracl-:, a first partial circuit,fori'ning a switch-operating circuit, having a first set ol openterminals in a given track-section, a second partial circuit forming asignal-operating circuit having normally open contacts, forming theswitch, controlled by the closing of the first set of terminals, anautomatic lock for holding closed the switch-contacts, of the secondpartial circuit, after the first set of terminals have been reopened bythe passing of the car, a third partial circuit'lorming aswitch-releasing circuit, having a second set of open terminals, in agiven track-section, the closing of which by the passing oi the car,releases the locked closed switch. of the second circuit, restoring saidcircuits to normal open position, source of electricity for saidcircuits, a signal. device and contacts on the car, for closing the saidopen terminals, substantially as descrilied.

18. A signal system, for a railwa v traek, comprising a first partialcircuit forming a switch-operating circuit, having a first set of openterminals in a given track-smvtion, a second partial circuit, forming asignal-operating circuit, having a second set oi open terminals in agiven track-section, and also hav ing normally openv contacts, 'lorminga switch controlled by the closing of the first set of terminals, anautomatic lock for holding the switch-contacts of the second partialcircuit, after the first set of terminals have been reopened by thepassing of the car, a third partial. circuit, forming a switch-releasingcircuit, having a third set of open terminals in a given track-section,the closing of which by the passing of the car, releases the lockedclosed switch of the second circuit, restoring said circuits to normalopen position, signal device on the car, a fourth partial circuit on thecar, for energizing said signal, a switch in said fourth partialcircuit, actuated by the closing of the secondv partial circuit, asource of electricity for said circuits and contacts on the car, forclosing said open terminals, substantially as described.

19. A signal system for railwry-track, comprising a first partialcircuit, forming a switch-operating circuit, having a first set o'l openterminals in a given track-section, a second partial circuit forming asignal-operating circuit, having a second set of open terlninals in agiven track-section, and also having normally open contacts, forming aswitch controlled by the closing of the first set of terminals, anautomatic lock for holding closed the switclico11tacts, oi the secondpart1al circuit, after the first set of terminals have been reopened, bythe passing of the car, a third partial circuit forming a switch-.releasing circuit, having third set of open terminals in a giventrack-section, the closing of which by the passing of the car, releasesthe locked closed switch of the second circuit, restoring said circuitsto normal open position, a signal device on the car, a fourth partialcircuit on the car, for energizing said signal, a switch in said fourthpartial circuit actuated by the closing of the second partial circuit, asource of electricity for said circuits and contacts on the car forclosing said open terminals, means for locking the switch in the fourthcircuit in closed position, when it is actuated by the electric impulsetransmitted through the second circuit, whereby said signal remains inoperation, subsequent to the brief actuating impulse, substantially asdescribed.

20. A signal system for a railway-track, comprising a first partialcircuit, forming a switch-operating circuit, having a first set ofterminals in a given track-section, a second partial circuit, forming asignal-operating circuit, having a second set of open terminals in agiven track-section, and also having normally open contacts forming aswitch controlled by the closing of the first set of terminals, anautomatic lock for holding closed the switchcontacts of the secondpartial circuit, afterthe first set of terminals have been reopened bythe passing of the car, a third partial circuit forming aswitchreleasing circuit, having a third set of open terminals in a giventrack-section, the closing of which by the passing of the car, releasesthe locked closed switch of the second circuit, restoring said circuitsto normal open position, a signal device on the car, a fourth partialcircuit on the car for energizing said signal, a switch in said fourthpartial circuit actuated by the closing of the second partial circuit, afifth partial circuit, having a fifth set of terminals in a giventrack-section, a signal located adjacent to the track, a sixth partialcircuit controlling the signal, a switch in said sixth partial circuit,actuated by the closing of the terminals of the fifth circuit, a lockfor auto matically holding the signal of the sixth circuit in closedposition, when it is actuated by an electric impulse through the fifthcircuit, a seventh partial circuit, having open terminals in a giventrack-section, mechan ism energized by the seventh circuit, when closedfor unlocking the switch in the sixth circuit when the terminals of saidseventh circuit are closed, substantially as described.

21. A signal system for a railway-track, comprising a first,switch-operating circuit, having open terminals in a giventrack-section, a signal device, a second signal-operating circuit,having a normally opened switch, actuated by the electric impulsetransmitted through the first circuit when closed, a lock for holdingsaid switch in closed position, when the switch has been actuated by theclosing of the first terminals, a third switchreleasing circuit, havingopen. terminals in. a

given track-section, mechanism actuated by the electric impulse,transmitted through the third circuit, when closed for releasing thesaid switch and restoring it to open position, source of electricity forsaid circuits, and con tacts on the car for closing said open terminals, substantially as described.

22. A signal system for a railway-track, comprising a first partialcircuit, forming a switch-operating circuit, having a first set of openterminals in a given track-section, a second partial circuit, forming asignal-operating circuit, having a second set of open terminals in agiven track-section, and also having normally open contacts, forming aswitch controlled by the closing of the first set of terminals, anautomatic lock for holding closed the switch-contacts of the secondpartial circuit, after the first set of terminals have been reopened bythe passing of the car, a third partial circuit, forming aswitchreleasing circuit, having a third set of open terminals in a giventrack-section", located adjacent to the second set of terminals, theclosing of which by the passing of the car, releases the locked switchof the second circuit, restoring said circuits to normal open position,source of electricity for said circuits, a signal device, and cont-actson the car for closing the said open terminals, substantially asdescribed.

23. In a signal system for a railway-track, a first, switch-operatingcircuit, having open terminals in a given track-section, a signaldevice, a second energizing circuit therefor normally opened, a switchin said second circuit actuated by the electric impulse trans mittedthrough the first circuit when closed, means for automatically engagingsaid switch whenitisinoved to closed position and retaining it in saidposition, a third, switch-releasing circuit having open terminals in agiven track-section, a predetermined distance from the firs t-namedterminals,adapted to be closed by a car, which has previouslyoperatively passed over the first terminal, a switchre leasing mechanismactuated by the electric impulse, transmitted through the thirdcircuit,when closed, adapted to release the switch from its lockedclosed position, source of electricity for said circuits, andcar-contacts for closing said terminals, substantially as described.

2a. In a signal system for a railway-track, a first, switch-operatingcircuit having open terminals in a given track-section, second,switch-operating circuit having a switch normally open but actuated bythe electric impulse, transmitted through the first circuit, whenclosed, means for automatically engaging said switch, when it is movedto closed position and retaining it in said position, a second set ofnormally open terminals, included in said circuit and located at apredetermined distance from the first ter- IIO through said thirdcircuit when closed, adapted to restore the switch to open posi tion,source of electricity for said circuits and car-contacts for closingsaid terminals respectively, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

ELWOOD W. MGGUIRE.

Witnesses OLIVER B. KAISER, Lno ODONNELL.

